Lee O'Dower Obituary

Lee O'Dower died at home on August 1, 2008, after a short illness. Lee was born on May 27, 1913, in Eads, Colorado, moved to Kansas City in the mid-30's with her sisters to attend business school. She met her husband Hugh J. O'Dower in Kansas City and enjoyed 60 years of marriage. He owned O'Dower Engineering Company and they spent forty years in the home they built in Mission Hills, Kansas. Lee was a lifetime member of the Young Matrons Club and was very active in her volunteer work to raise funds for the Ozanam home. They were world travelers and one of her most memorable trips was her African Safari. Upon Hugh's death she donated their trophies to the Kansas City Zoo so others could enjoy them. They owned a summer home on Lake of the Woods, Ontario where they spent many summers fishing and enjoying the outdoors. They were both avid golfers and belonged to the Indian Hills and Blue Hills Country Club where Lee was golf champion. In the early 70's they began spending their winters in Tucson and belonged to the Tucson National Golf Resort where she continued to play golf until her eyesight prohibited her from playing. After Hugh's death she left Kansas and moved to Tucson to be closer to her son and his family. Even with her failing eyesight, she continued to be active by walking daily and was a regular in her water aerobics class. Lee had a zest for life and was never one to turn down an invitation. One of her great joys was being close to her grandchildren and she instilled in them her love of travel by taking them on their first trip to Europe. She was especially proud to see Lindsay receive her MBA degree and Lauren her JD degree. Lee is survived by her son, Hugh Michael O'Dower and his wife, Eileen of Tucson and her two grandchildren, Ms. Lindsay O'Dower of Chicago, Illinois, and Ms. Lauren O'Dower of San Jose, California, and her daughter, Ms. Mary Elizabeth (Beth) O'Dower of San Diego. Lee also is survived by her brother, Mr. William (Jack) Herron, his wife, Vi of Kansas City, and sisters-in-law, Marylou (Tommy) Reed of Phoenix, Arizona and Melberta Herron of Sacramento, California. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to give a special thanks to Connie Guerrero for all her love and support as Lee's caretaker for the last ten years. A graveside memorial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at Newcomers Johnson County Cemetery, 11200 Metcalf Rd., Overland Park, Kansas. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Tucson. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee O'Dower

7 Entries

Carroll Bear Burger

August 8, 2022

Remembering my mother´s (Edna Bear´s dear friend.) I remember as a child going to see the beautiful "animal room" LEE and Hugh had. There friendship with my parents was a special one. I also enjoyed KC Young Matrons with Lee. RIP

Cindy & Ben Motisher

November 3, 2008

Lee was truly an amazing person. My husband Ben and I had the honor of being her upstairs neighbors from 2003-2006. During that time, Lee's generous hospitality, sharp mind and incredible wit never ceased to amaze us. I often went on morning walks with her, and loved to hear stories of her past. She truly was an amazing person, and we are are saddened to hear of her passing. I have no doubt that her memory will live on as a true legacy to the wonderful person she was.

Carroll Burger

August 27, 2008

My name is Carroll Bear Burger. I only recently learned of Lee's death with great sorrow.Lee was a dear friend to my Mother Edna Bear who died a little over a year ago. They were great golf buddies at Indian Hills and Huge, Lee and Edna and Jack Bear enjoyed many good times together. I knew them both for much of my childhood and loved Lee as well as Hugh. I can remember always thinking how beautiful she was..To young to recognize the inner beauty as well. I remember the first time she invited me over to see their wonderful "animal room". She called Mother quite often after moving away from Kansas City. I will always remember her beautiful smile and also times we shared in Young Matrons. May your family be Blessed with wonderful memories of a beautiful woman in every way.
In Loving Prayer, Carroll & Paul Burger

Judy and Harvey Thelen

August 19, 2008

We are snowbirds from Wisconsin and will miss Lee so much. She was a delightful, fun lady. She loved going out for lunch or dinner. Mission Palms will not be the same without her.

Karen Garrett

August 17, 2008

My name is Karen Garrett. Lee and my mother were best buddies before I was born. Lee signed my baby book in 1941, and appears in my wedding pictures with my mother in 1962. In between, she was my idol. Lee touched my life in too many ways to count. She was always there. She was always beautiful. Her personality was always sparkling. After I lost my mother and Lee lost Hugh, Lee and I stayed in close touch. I went to Tucson to see her and she came to California to see me. In between we talked at least once a week, for hours. We had adventures together. We both planned trips to Kansas and stayed in a motel together. In Tucson, we went climbing on mountains and walking through deserts. We saw mountain lions and native plants and took pictures. We did water aerobics and went out on the town. We wore matching hats. We both agreed that the high point of our adventures together was flying over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter. Our favorite picture was always the picture of us together, arm in arm, in front of “our” helicopter, before we took off for the wild blue yonder and the deep red wonder.

Carolyn Rashti

August 12, 2008

For seven years, all through the year, I spent the two best hours of my week in an outdoor pool doing water aerobics in a group with Lee. She never missed a class - always the first one there in winter though the air temperature may have been in the 50’s and in summer wondering why this beautiful pool wasn’t crowded with people. Her humor was so “English” - it often took a minute to realize her delightful subtle jokes. She worked at the water aerobic exercises like the champion she was; never giving up, never tiring, often making some wry remark inspiring everybody to do the exercise another 16 times. The wrinkles on her face and body amplified the beauty of her smile and her spirit. She never complained; always encouraged. And every Monday and Wednesday she is with us still, in the pool - our unforgettable hero.
Carolyn Rashti, aqua aerobics instructor

Lori Meents

August 10, 2008

My name is Lori Meents and I am signing Mrs. O'dower's guest book on behalf of my mom and dad who live at Mission Palms in Tucson. They wanted me to say that in the short time of knowing her they really enjoyed her company on walks and her stories about her life. My mother having glaucoma and limited eye sight always said what a pleasure it was when Lee would ask if she could walk with my mom and dad,and my mother and her would walk arm and arm. My condolences to you and your family on behalf of Robert and Marlene Meents and myself, their daughter Lori in Las Vegas.

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